Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Grant (Colorado Plateau or Rocky Mountain CESU)

1. Provide a research framework for parks based on global scientific themes that are of top importance for managing parks into the next century. These themes include global climate change, water availability, natural hazards, affects of urbanization, engaging the public in park issues, and conservation policy.
2. Provide research expertise to individual park based on a theme where graduate students are expected to provide high quality and scientific review of the literature as it pertains to the park, dialogue with park staff and USGS scientists to understand the application of the science on the ground in the park, and provide the park management with a detailed summary including references and recommendations. These summaries will be submitted to peer reviewed journals to ensure the best scientific integrity.
3. Create a framework for graduate students who will soon be entering the professional work force, to put their academic training in perspective with professional issues for protected area management.
4. Encourage minority graduate students to participate in Park Break and expose them to potential careers in USGS or NPS as scientists.